17 January 2014

When Rifles Reign

MARLENE DEE GRAY POTOURA

An entry in The Crocodile Prize Kina Securities Poetry Award

This poem is dedicated to my beloved father and to all the innocent people who were assassinated in Bougainville by rebels who turned sour and lost what the true fighters were fighting for. May forgiveness reign among all peoples of Bougainville and may the souls of those killed so mercilessly rest in peace

Thus embedded in my heart Dawn came as a curse Grandpa mist dragged them in Not his fault though My awakening that stood still For Rifles’ rule I saw!

Came hurdling at my door Sleepy eyed, I witnessed Nest I called home destroyed Ransacked to ashes and ruins Scattered, as I fled and escaped Rifles fired over my head!